A burn permit suspension in Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Solano, Yolo and Colusa counties has been lifted by the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Those possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits may resume burning on permissible burn days. Burn piles larger than four feet by four feet or broadcast burns must be inspected by CAL FIRE, when located in the State Responsibility Area, prior to burning until the end of the peak fire season. Contact your local CAL FIRE station to request an inspection.
Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and the chance of winter weather have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire. Residents are asked to use caution while conducting burns, follow all guidelines, and to maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held civilly and/or criminally liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto neighboring property. Residents should contact their local fire district prior to any burning.
Residents must verify that it is a permissive burn day prior to burning. They can do so by contacting the local air quality management agency including:
- Bay Area Air Quality Management District, (415) 771-6000
- Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District, (707) 433-5911
- Visit sonomacounty.ca.gov/Air-Quality to see air district boundaries
Pile Burning Requirements:
- Burn only dry, natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings.
- The burning of trash, painted wood, or other debris is not allowed.
- Do not burn on windy days.
- Piles should be no larger than four feet in diameter and in height. Add to the pile as it burns down.
- Clear a 10-foot line down to bare soil around your piles.
- Have a shovel and a water source nearby.
- An adult is required to be attending the fire at all times.
Safe residential burning of vegetation is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards. When conditions allow, state, federal and local fire and land management agencies will be conducting prescribed burns aimed at improving forest health on private and public lands.
For more information visit Sonoma County Fire Prevention at http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Fire-Prevention/ or CAL FIRE at www.fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyForWildfire.org